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This time around there was little question as Los Angeles Football Club jumped out early and often to knock off Orlando City SC, 4-1 at Banc of California Stadium late Saturday night.
Here’s a look at five takeaways from the big home win:
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Still hot at home
LAFC remain unbeaten at The Banc, as the Black-and-Gold hung four on the struggling Lions. Granted, Orlando City has been anything but the team they were earlier this season on a six-game winning streak as they have lost nine straight, but LAFC showed dominance throughout.
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Big Tyler Miller
Over the last few matches, it has been LAFC’s offense that has dominated the headlines — and for good reason. But, Saturday it was Tyler Miller’s work between the pipes that ensured LAFC dominated.
“I had a good performance, the team had a good performance but there are always things we can do better.”
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2018
After a stellar performance, @Tymiller01 is still looking for ways to improve. pic.twitter.com/7YxLvEzOul
His eight saves seemed to look easy, but they were anything but. Miller’s performance over the last few matches has gone relatively unnoticed and that is likely to change.
The @SanManuelCasino Thrill of the Match: @Tymiller01's incredible diving save! pic.twitter.com/IFzvRFAYdY
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2018
Mark-Anthony Kaye continues to shine
The midfield for LAFC has been the lynchpin of the offensive attack of late and Canadian international Mark-Anthony Kaye has been at the center of that.
“The midfield is the key engine to this team. When we’re on together, it makes the whole team click better."@MarkThEwizz on tonight's strong team play. pic.twitter.com/f0QmFEbmuF
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2018
His ability to move the ball and be in the right place at the right time has solidified his place in the midfield in my mind. I know I keep mentioning him in this space, but if you keep performing like he has, you keep getting mentioned.
Let’s not forget Dio
On a night when all things seemed to be clicking, it is no surprise that Adama Diomande performed the way he did. His silky smooth passing and ball movement were at the center of most of LAFC’s offense Saturday.
“Good win here today. We’re doing a great job staying undefeated, hopefully we just keep going."
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2018
Dio on #LAFC's unbeaten start at @BancStadium. pic.twitter.com/unvnbx0xLI
What is more surprising is that he has played this long in MLS and he continues to fool opposing teams — meaning they still can’t figure out how to cover him.
Everyone is back
Saturday showed that all of LAFC’s international players were back from the 2018 World Cup. Carlos Vela (Mexico) and Marco Urena (Costa Rica) were both on-hand for action at the Banc.
⚽️ ️ Good to have you back, @MarcoUrenaCR! pic.twitter.com/pVmwb90FKG
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2018
With the addition of Andre Horta, LAFC seems to have its team nearly complete as it currently sits in second in the Western Conference and prepares for the Portland Timbers in both MLS and US Open Cup play next week.
What do you think? Post your comment below!